The casualty toll is expected to rise, with rescue efforts hampered by severed power supplies and telecommunication links.

The past decade was volatile for personal lines insurers. However, during this period, 19 companies were standouts, leading their peers in both growth and profitability.

The Justice Department sued Volkswagen AG, accusing the German automaker of installing illegal devices meant to defeat emissions testing on nearly 600,000 vehicles.

Industry officials say the severe winter of 2015 is behind the rate hikes.